Last modified: February 17, 2019
Most internet users have heard of the concept of 'cookies' that store information about websites they've visited. On the other hand, many people don't realize the scope of information that these cookies capture and how they can be used to monitor your behavior. In recent years, the usage and complexity of browser cookies has increased significantly. This largely went unnoticed by most users. To be sure, minimize this invasive monitoring by reading on. In this post we'll summarize how Cookies gather information about you. Learn how to manage web cookies to protect your online privacy.
What is the Purpose of Browser Cookies?
Cookies are a tool website owners use to track your behavior on their site. They store this information about you for future visits. Information contained in these cookies could e.g. include:
The good thing is, no matter whichever browser you use there are several ways with which you can protect your privacy online at maximum. But as a rule of thumb, you should enable the automatic updates to ensure you are using the latest version. For instance, Code Red successfully harmed the Windows NT computers in massive amount. How Google uses cookies. A cookie is a small piece of text sent to your browser by a website you visit. It helps the website to remember information about your visit, like your preferred language and other settings. That can make your next visit easier and the site more useful to you. Cookies play an important role. How to protect your privacy with third party cookies In order to enjoy some of the conveniences of the modern day internet you're going to have to put up with some cookies. Many sites use third party cookies as a way to boost their revenue, so it's likely they'll block you from seeing content until you accept third party cookies.
- your IP address,
- browser version information,
- user ID assigned by the site owner,
- the dates you visited the site,
- what pages you viewed or
- which actions you took on the site.
They combine this information into an unique profile assigned to you. Cookies usually don't contain any personal information about you, e.g. your name or phone number. Instead, marketers use these hardware details and build a 'profile' on you they can study and analyze.
One of the most common examples of cookie monitoring is 'retargeting' advertising. In short, a business will continue advertising to you long after you've left their website. Ever notice how you've visited a site and then something from that website (or closely related to it) starts showing up in your Facebook ads? Facebook partners with a massive number of web service providers. They allow them to continue advertising to you on social media after you visit their website. This is just one example – most social media platforms and large websites employ this method of advertising.
How to Manage Web Cookies
This invasive tracking should be concerning to privacy-minded users. The most effective way to prevent cookie usage on your PC is to simply turn them off. But note that this may break some functionality of certain websites.
An acceptable compromise may be to enable cookie deletion upon closing the browsing session – most modern browsers have this ability. You can take this a step further and use the various private-browsing modes available on your browser.
Learn hear how to use:
- Incognito mode in Chrome
- Private mode in Firefox
In short, prevent cookies by using these modes. These modes delete the activities you perform during these session. They also delete any temporary files created during the session.
Each OS stores them in a different location. Research where the directory is located on your PC and review the files before deleting or keeping them.
How Do I Manage Cookies?
You can usually delete cookies from the Privacy or History area, available from the Settings or Options menu in the browser. In most browsers, the same menu can be reached through:
- Ctrl+Shift+Del keyboard shortcut for Windows or
- Command+Shift+Del if you're on a Mac.
To emphasize, the steps involved in deleting cookies can differ depending on what web browser we're talking about.
Implement a VPN System for an Added Layer of Protection
There are steps you can take on your local PC to minimize the impact of web cookies. In addition, use hide.me VPN to mask your computer's details. In doing that, you will supply a false IP address to the marketers that use cookies. One of the most concerning data points contained in a web cookie is the IP address of the user it belongs to. An IP address contains sensitive geographic information. Paragon mac toolbox 20 10 2019. Mate – best instant translator 4 0 0. They use this to pinpoint your exact location. By using cookies web site owners can even pull up your personal information via your internet service provider.
Cookie 5 13 Protect Your Online Privacy Screen
Use hide.me VPN and your true IP address will stay masked from the website you're communicating with. The website sees only the VPN server's IP. That is because all traffic goes through hide.me VPN servers. That way your IP stays hidden. This creates an effective diversion that prevents your geographic location being revealed to the website owner. Paired with the practices mentioned in the second section of this post, a VPN will create an airtight seal against the invasive monitoring by cookie owners.
Summary
One of the most common examples of cookie monitoring is 'retargeting' advertising. In short, a business will continue advertising to you long after you've left their website. Ever notice how you've visited a site and then something from that website (or closely related to it) starts showing up in your Facebook ads? Facebook partners with a massive number of web service providers. They allow them to continue advertising to you on social media after you visit their website. This is just one example – most social media platforms and large websites employ this method of advertising.
How to Manage Web Cookies
This invasive tracking should be concerning to privacy-minded users. The most effective way to prevent cookie usage on your PC is to simply turn them off. But note that this may break some functionality of certain websites.
An acceptable compromise may be to enable cookie deletion upon closing the browsing session – most modern browsers have this ability. You can take this a step further and use the various private-browsing modes available on your browser.
Learn hear how to use:
- Incognito mode in Chrome
- Private mode in Firefox
In short, prevent cookies by using these modes. These modes delete the activities you perform during these session. They also delete any temporary files created during the session.
Each OS stores them in a different location. Research where the directory is located on your PC and review the files before deleting or keeping them.
How Do I Manage Cookies?
You can usually delete cookies from the Privacy or History area, available from the Settings or Options menu in the browser. In most browsers, the same menu can be reached through:
- Ctrl+Shift+Del keyboard shortcut for Windows or
- Command+Shift+Del if you're on a Mac.
To emphasize, the steps involved in deleting cookies can differ depending on what web browser we're talking about.
Implement a VPN System for an Added Layer of Protection
There are steps you can take on your local PC to minimize the impact of web cookies. In addition, use hide.me VPN to mask your computer's details. In doing that, you will supply a false IP address to the marketers that use cookies. One of the most concerning data points contained in a web cookie is the IP address of the user it belongs to. An IP address contains sensitive geographic information. Paragon mac toolbox 20 10 2019. Mate – best instant translator 4 0 0. They use this to pinpoint your exact location. By using cookies web site owners can even pull up your personal information via your internet service provider.
Cookie 5 13 Protect Your Online Privacy Screen
Use hide.me VPN and your true IP address will stay masked from the website you're communicating with. The website sees only the VPN server's IP. That is because all traffic goes through hide.me VPN servers. That way your IP stays hidden. This creates an effective diversion that prevents your geographic location being revealed to the website owner. Paired with the practices mentioned in the second section of this post, a VPN will create an airtight seal against the invasive monitoring by cookie owners.
Summary
Cookie 5 13 Protect Your Online Privacy Concerns
In conclusion, most users don't realize the extent to which they are being tracked and monitored by web cookies. Addressing cookies is an effective way to limit the information you provide. But, there are many other methods to be vary of. These are outside the scope of this post. At last, utilize the recommendations in this post. Prevent cookies on your PC. In addition, use hide.me VPN to enjoy the peace of mind of your activity remaining private.
If you have any other concerns that need addressing, contact our Support team directly.
